In a plot twist straight from Hollywood — actor Johnny Depp is reportedly dating one of the attorneys who represented him in a recent matter in the United Kingdom.
Joelle Rich, who was part of Depp’s legal team in his U.K. libel trial against The Sun, is reportedly still married but separated — and according to Page Six, her divorce may not yet be final.
Entertainment magazine Us Weekly reported that Rich, who did not assist in Depp’s more recent trial in the United States — against actress and ex-wife Amber Heard — was present in the Virginia courtroom despite having no professional reason to be there.
“Their chemistry is off the charts,” an insider reportedly told Us Weekly. “It’s serious between them. They are the real deal.”
Rumors also swirled around Depp and his U.S. trial attorney Camille Vasquez — rumors that Vasquez was quick to shoot down when confronted on the issue by CBS anchor Gayle King.
WATCH:
"With all of the fame also comes all the, pettiness, some cattiness and some could say hatery, I call it, because there are a lot of social media rumors that you and Johnny Depp were romantically involved," Gayle King confronts Depp attorney Camille Vasquez. pic.twitter.com/aG5PHqLJSQ
— Virginia Kruta (@VAKruta) July 28, 2022
“You know, there were also — with all of the fame also comes all the, pettiness, some cattiness and some could say hatery, I call it, because there are a lot of social media rumors that you and Johnny Depp were romantically involved,” King prompted, after which Vasquez conceded that she was aware of the rumors.
“Why do you think those rumors started? And what did you think when you heard them?” King pressed.
“It was disappointing to hear them, but I think they started because people like love stories. They like to make things up. Right? Um, doesn’t mean they’re true. And obviously in this case, they weren’t true. Never have been true,” Vasquez insisted.
“I think people thought, well, you know, they are kind of touchy-feely,” King tried again, but Vasquez pushed back immediately.
“I mean, that’s just who I am. I’m naturally described as a warm person. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with caring for your clients. Right? I was fighting for his life, his name,” she explained.
“It’s perfectly normal, I think, to be able to extend a hand and give him a hug and make him feel like he was protected. We all were that way with him. Each other and with him. Just supportive and protective,” she concluded.
Vasquez also addressed the claims in an interview with People Magazine, adding, “I care very deeply about my clients, and we have obviously become close. But when I say ‘we,’ I mean the entire team, and of course that includes Johnny.”
“It’s also an unethical charge being made. It’s sexist,” she continued. “It’s unfortunate, and it’s disappointing, but at the same time, it kind of comes with the territory. I can’t say I was all that surprised.”